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Logan West #1
Overwatch
Written by a former Marine, this military thriller with an international cast of characters and an in-depth understanding of international espionage, is an action-packed novel written in the tradition of Vince Flynn and Christopher Reich. “Betley really knows his stuff. Fans of nonstop, nail-biting action will love this one!” (Kyle Mills, #1 New York Times bestselling author).
Former Marine Force Reconnaissance officer Logan West emerges from a blackout after drinking away the worries of his ruined marriage and PTSD—an all-too-familiar scene for the recovering alcoholic. But he wakes up to more than a killer hangover: a professional mercenary has been sent to capture him in his Annapolis home. After an embattled showdown, Logan impulsively answers the dead man’s ringing phone, triggering a hasty rescue of Logan’s estranged wife and a global race against the clock to track down an unknown organization searching for an Iraqi flag central to a planned attack in the Middle East—an attack that will draw the U.S. into a major conflict with Iran.
Logan and John Quick, Logan’s former platoon sergeant who has also been targeted by these shadowy mercenaries, are contracted as consultants to assist the FBI as part of a special task force. From the plains of the Midwest to the war-torn Al-Anbar province, the battles build in scale and scope and pit an international team against mercenaries and former Special Forces operators.
Mixing thrilling, intense fight scenes with high-stakes tactical maneuvers and complex, fully realized characters, Overwatch is electrifying, up-to-the-minute, and impossible to put down.
Former Marine Force Reconnaissance officer Logan West emerges from a blackout after drinking away the worries of his ruined marriage and PTSD—an all-too-familiar scene for the recovering alcoholic. But he wakes up to more than a killer hangover: a professional mercenary has been sent to capture him in his Annapolis home. After an embattled showdown, Logan impulsively answers the dead man’s ringing phone, triggering a hasty rescue of Logan’s estranged wife and a global race against the clock to track down an unknown organization searching for an Iraqi flag central to a planned attack in the Middle East—an attack that will draw the U.S. into a major conflict with Iran.
Logan and John Quick, Logan’s former platoon sergeant who has also been targeted by these shadowy mercenaries, are contracted as consultants to assist the FBI as part of a special task force. From the plains of the Midwest to the war-torn Al-Anbar province, the battles build in scale and scope and pit an international team against mercenaries and former Special Forces operators.
Mixing thrilling, intense fight scenes with high-stakes tactical maneuvers and complex, fully realized characters, Overwatch is electrifying, up-to-the-minute, and impossible to put down.
448 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published March 1, 2016
780 people are currently reading
2794 people want to read
About the author
Matthew Betley
14 books302 followersMatthew Betley grew up in Cincinnati, Ohio, which he considers home after his family moved there from New Jersey, where he was born and which also explains his affinity for the New York Yankees. He attended St. Xavier High School and then Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, where he graduated with a B.A. in psychology and minors in political science and sociology. He also spent the first semester of senior year investigating felony murder cases as an intern investigator in Washington, D.C., for the Public Defender’s Office, a formative experience that provided countless stories that could fill the pages of a non-fiction book. Upon graduation, he worked in corporate America for five years in Cincinnati before joining the Marine Corps in 1999.
Matt spent ten years as a Marine officer and was trained as a scout sniper platoon commander, an infantry officer, and a ground intelligence officer. His experiences include deployments to Djibouti after 9/11, and Fallujah, Iraq, prior to the surge, both in staff officer support billets.
Finally, and most importantly, Matt is a recovering alcoholic with nearly seven years of sobriety. He credits the Marine Corps with providing a foundation in discipline and personal accountability for his desire to initially seek help. Matt is open and direct about it and has spoken in front of large groups of people with one clear message – if he can get sober, so can anyone. He credits his recovery with providing the authenticity for Logan West’s struggle with his inner demons.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 262 reviews
January 2, 2019
I would have liked to rate it 4.5 stars. Wonderful, superb, could easily be made into a movie, and a great read. I found the plot plausible ( of course a real patriot would not think that way but I could easily see how a misguided patriot would) and with very real characters. I could follow the action scenes. I will now read more of Matthew Bentley's books.
March 6, 2016
Overwatch, which came recommended from The Real Book Spy, is not what I've come to expect for a debut novel. The plot was clear and uncluttered, the characters were, for the most part, likable, the book was well-paced, and the story had a satisfying ending. I thought that other debut novel (Joshua Hood's Clear by Fire) that had me hooked on the first page was an anomaly. Guess not.
The plot. Fast-paced from one "battle" to the next, with barely time to catch your breath, there isn't much down time in Overwatch. While I didn't count the number of days that actually passed, it couldn't have been many. As a civilian, whose only knowledge of how the military works was in dating military guys, and movies, I can't tell you if the action is realistic, but those who have been there and have read the book say it is. It definitely feels like you're there breathing in the sand and sweating bullets as rounds zing right over you.
The Main Character. Logan West doesn't start off as the most likable guy. He's passed out drunk, on the verge of divorce, and blames himself for things that really weren't his fault which had created and placed a huge chip on his shoulder. He quickly shows, however, that he can overcome anything to get to a goal. He's fiercely loyal, and exactly the man you want on your side when things go sideways.
The Writing. This is where I shaved off a star. Really, if it would allow me, it would have been only half a star. While the story and characters were spot on five-stars, the writing was where the "first-time, no professional-writing background" showed. This, I expect to improve with each book. In a way, though, it's really more the editor's fault for not nixing the over-use of the words "fortunately" and "unfortunately." This may sound incredibly nit-picky, and perhaps it is, but after about the fifth time, I was looking for the white-out. I'm not sure why it bothered me so much, but it stuck out, and was distracting. (Sorry, now it will probably distract you, too, when if I'd not pointed it out you may not have noticed.) As for Logan's drinking problem, I've never experienced that, so I can't say for sure, but after the initial drunk-fest, he doesn't seem to struggle with it at all. Perhaps it was because he was too busy and too hyped up on Adrenalin to give it much thought. Time will tell if he got the demon off his back that help drive him to the liquor store.
I really wished there had been more of Logan's wife, Sarah, in the book. She rocked her "screen-time."
Another reason for just four stars is that it's similar to a that first evaluation you get. If you ace it, where do you have to go from there? Down. So, now there is room to grow and get even better. While I'm too tight with Vince Flynn and Brad Thor to crown Matthew Betley the next King of Thrillers (he does have some competition in Joshua Hood, after all), he is an exciting writer to follow and I look forward to the next Logan West thriller. And that's not something I can say about every new book I read.
The plot. Fast-paced from one "battle" to the next, with barely time to catch your breath, there isn't much down time in Overwatch. While I didn't count the number of days that actually passed, it couldn't have been many. As a civilian, whose only knowledge of how the military works was in dating military guys, and movies, I can't tell you if the action is realistic, but those who have been there and have read the book say it is. It definitely feels like you're there breathing in the sand and sweating bullets as rounds zing right over you.
The Main Character. Logan West doesn't start off as the most likable guy. He's passed out drunk, on the verge of divorce, and blames himself for things that really weren't his fault which had created and placed a huge chip on his shoulder. He quickly shows, however, that he can overcome anything to get to a goal. He's fiercely loyal, and exactly the man you want on your side when things go sideways.
The Writing. This is where I shaved off a star. Really, if it would allow me, it would have been only half a star. While the story and characters were spot on five-stars, the writing was where the "first-time, no professional-writing background" showed. This, I expect to improve with each book. In a way, though, it's really more the editor's fault for not nixing the over-use of the words "fortunately" and "unfortunately." This may sound incredibly nit-picky, and perhaps it is, but after about the fifth time, I was looking for the white-out. I'm not sure why it bothered me so much, but it stuck out, and was distracting. (Sorry, now it will probably distract you, too, when if I'd not pointed it out you may not have noticed.) As for Logan's drinking problem, I've never experienced that, so I can't say for sure, but after the initial drunk-fest, he doesn't seem to struggle with it at all. Perhaps it was because he was too busy and too hyped up on Adrenalin to give it much thought. Time will tell if he got the demon off his back that help drive him to the liquor store.
I really wished there had been more of Logan's wife, Sarah, in the book. She rocked her "screen-time."
Another reason for just four stars is that it's similar to a that first evaluation you get. If you ace it, where do you have to go from there? Down. So, now there is room to grow and get even better. While I'm too tight with Vince Flynn and Brad Thor to crown Matthew Betley the next King of Thrillers (he does have some competition in Joshua Hood, after all), he is an exciting writer to follow and I look forward to the next Logan West thriller. And that's not something I can say about every new book I read.
November 8, 2017
When a PTSD inflicted marine wakes up from an alcohol induced blackout, he immediately gets into a knife fight.
That's the beginning of this entertaining but predictable novel with the usual private contractor villain. The action scenes are great, even if the plot isn't, and there are a few too many coincidences for good taste.
A good first novel.
That's the beginning of this entertaining but predictable novel with the usual private contractor villain. The action scenes are great, even if the plot isn't, and there are a few too many coincidences for good taste.
A good first novel.
March 9, 2022
Not the fun book I was hoping. A little unrealistic...I don't mind having a little fantasy but not to some extent as Betley did in this first book! In fact in the first few chapters..
April 1, 2016
See this review and more at TheRealBookSpy.com
Vince Flynn, Brad Thor… Matthew Betley?
That’s the question fans are asking ever since Emily Bestler Books, an imprint of Atria Books at publishing powerhouse Simon & Schuster, announced the release of Overwatch, the debut novel from former Marine Matthew Betley.
While Flynn and Thor – both of whom have spent their careers with Atria/Emily Bestler Books – are household names, Betley is the new kid on the block with seemingly unlimited potential.
In Overwatch, Betley introduces readers to his new series protagonist, Logan West. West is a former marine, relapsing alcoholic, and damaged man who’s struggling with the reality that his marriage is likely over after a prolonged rough patch – which had much to do with an addiction problem.
The book kicks off with Logan waking up after blacking out for nearly a day, the product of another drunken night spent alone. As he struggles to regain his bearings, already feeling the effects of a giant hangover, he quickly learns that he’s not alone.
The intruder welcomes him back to consciousnesses, but makes a critical mistake when he assumes Logan is too hung over to be a viable threat to his safety. West springs from the couch, attacking the man in quick and devastating fashion.
Staring at the body of the dead intruder that’s now laying on his floor, Logan calls his buddy, FBI Special Agent Mike Benson, for help. Mike agrees to come right over but after their brief phone conversation ends, the dead man’s phone starts to ring. Logan knows he shouldn’t answer it, but can’t help himself. He soon finds out that the intruder was working for a man that’s seeking information from Logan about a special artifact he’s trying to track down
The artifact in question is a flag that once belonged to Saddam Hussein, which Logan’s team of Marines had found in Fallujah years ago. While Logan has no idea why anyone would want the flag, or what it’s importance might be, he does know who currently has it – information he’s not willing to share with the man on the phone.
That’s when things take a turn for the worse, as the man on the phone threatens Sarah, Logan’s wife, whom he’s currently separated from but still loves, unless he can deliver the flag.
Logan, now furious, disconnects the call and dials back Mike, notifying him that there’s been a change in plans – Sarah is in danger.
What starts as a story about a former Marine Force Recon Commander trying to get his life back together and save his wife, soon turns into a globe trotting thriller about an unknown organization that’s planning a major attack in the Middle East. An attack that, should it go unstopped, will cause major implications for the United States.
To stop the unknown organization, the FBI puts together a task force of former Special Ops soldiers and mercenaries, which Logan is hired to join. Together, they’re given the green light to do whatever is necessary to stop any attacks before it’s too late.
Complicating matters, beyond just Logan’s alcoholism, is that he’s also suffering from post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) stemming from a incident during his time with the Marines.
By creating a character with so many imperfections, Betley has made Logan someone readers can relate to and feel for. He’s human, like the rest of us. In a genre where most protagonists are a pair of tights and a cape away from being Superman, this is a welcomed and refreshing change of pace.
The other thing that stands out is Betley’s pacing, which is exceptional for any first time author. He’s nailed the art of chapter-ending cliff hangers, without going overboard, which makes it nearly impossible to set Overwatch down.
You’ll find yourself up late reading this one, promising you’ll get to bed after one more chapter – only to flip the page and realize you can’t stop yet. After repeating this process a few times you’ll likely end up doing what I did and just throw on a pot of coffee, giving in and opting to pull an all-nighter with Logan West. You won’t regret it!
Of course Overwatch comes out March 1st, 2016 so maybe it’d be wise to just save one of your sick days in preparation for this explosive new thriller. All I’m saying is, if you’re the type to plan ahead, pencil in a cold or flu-like symptoms accordingly (wink, wink).
In the end, I found this to be an incredibly strong first novel in what I’m confident will be a very successful franchise for many years to come. Logan West is a flawed character that you’ll find yourself rooting for in more ways than one, and Overwatch is my early pick for the best debut novel of 2016!
So, is Betley the next Vince Flynn or Brad Thor? It’s too early to say, but two things are for certain: Overwatch is one of 2016’s first must-read novels, and Matthew Betley is someone to watch very closely!
Vince Flynn, Brad Thor… Matthew Betley?
That’s the question fans are asking ever since Emily Bestler Books, an imprint of Atria Books at publishing powerhouse Simon & Schuster, announced the release of Overwatch, the debut novel from former Marine Matthew Betley.
While Flynn and Thor – both of whom have spent their careers with Atria/Emily Bestler Books – are household names, Betley is the new kid on the block with seemingly unlimited potential.
In Overwatch, Betley introduces readers to his new series protagonist, Logan West. West is a former marine, relapsing alcoholic, and damaged man who’s struggling with the reality that his marriage is likely over after a prolonged rough patch – which had much to do with an addiction problem.
The book kicks off with Logan waking up after blacking out for nearly a day, the product of another drunken night spent alone. As he struggles to regain his bearings, already feeling the effects of a giant hangover, he quickly learns that he’s not alone.
The intruder welcomes him back to consciousnesses, but makes a critical mistake when he assumes Logan is too hung over to be a viable threat to his safety. West springs from the couch, attacking the man in quick and devastating fashion.
Staring at the body of the dead intruder that’s now laying on his floor, Logan calls his buddy, FBI Special Agent Mike Benson, for help. Mike agrees to come right over but after their brief phone conversation ends, the dead man’s phone starts to ring. Logan knows he shouldn’t answer it, but can’t help himself. He soon finds out that the intruder was working for a man that’s seeking information from Logan about a special artifact he’s trying to track down
The artifact in question is a flag that once belonged to Saddam Hussein, which Logan’s team of Marines had found in Fallujah years ago. While Logan has no idea why anyone would want the flag, or what it’s importance might be, he does know who currently has it – information he’s not willing to share with the man on the phone.
That’s when things take a turn for the worse, as the man on the phone threatens Sarah, Logan’s wife, whom he’s currently separated from but still loves, unless he can deliver the flag.
Logan, now furious, disconnects the call and dials back Mike, notifying him that there’s been a change in plans – Sarah is in danger.
What starts as a story about a former Marine Force Recon Commander trying to get his life back together and save his wife, soon turns into a globe trotting thriller about an unknown organization that’s planning a major attack in the Middle East. An attack that, should it go unstopped, will cause major implications for the United States.
To stop the unknown organization, the FBI puts together a task force of former Special Ops soldiers and mercenaries, which Logan is hired to join. Together, they’re given the green light to do whatever is necessary to stop any attacks before it’s too late.
Complicating matters, beyond just Logan’s alcoholism, is that he’s also suffering from post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) stemming from a incident during his time with the Marines.
By creating a character with so many imperfections, Betley has made Logan someone readers can relate to and feel for. He’s human, like the rest of us. In a genre where most protagonists are a pair of tights and a cape away from being Superman, this is a welcomed and refreshing change of pace.
The other thing that stands out is Betley’s pacing, which is exceptional for any first time author. He’s nailed the art of chapter-ending cliff hangers, without going overboard, which makes it nearly impossible to set Overwatch down.
You’ll find yourself up late reading this one, promising you’ll get to bed after one more chapter – only to flip the page and realize you can’t stop yet. After repeating this process a few times you’ll likely end up doing what I did and just throw on a pot of coffee, giving in and opting to pull an all-nighter with Logan West. You won’t regret it!
Of course Overwatch comes out March 1st, 2016 so maybe it’d be wise to just save one of your sick days in preparation for this explosive new thriller. All I’m saying is, if you’re the type to plan ahead, pencil in a cold or flu-like symptoms accordingly (wink, wink).
In the end, I found this to be an incredibly strong first novel in what I’m confident will be a very successful franchise for many years to come. Logan West is a flawed character that you’ll find yourself rooting for in more ways than one, and Overwatch is my early pick for the best debut novel of 2016!
So, is Betley the next Vince Flynn or Brad Thor? It’s too early to say, but two things are for certain: Overwatch is one of 2016’s first must-read novels, and Matthew Betley is someone to watch very closely!
August 18, 2017
Solid action political thriller. The start was great. Awesome over the top action, flawed heroes, simple but fun quick plot and perfect amount of dialogue mixed with action. However after thr 1st 3rd it cuts to a story in Iraq with Logans team etc and from here it gets a little convoluted and slow. I found the 2 stories completely different in pace. I understand the Iraq story was providing relevant backstory information but I found it didnt have the same impact as the start ( didnt grip me). The 2nd book comes out later this year. Will probably pick it up to see if there is an improvement in this gripe.
March 1, 2020
This was a new author/ series for me recommended based on my love for this type of fiction. I thought it was great. This is a violent action-packed story that never lets up. It is not over/plotted and the fight sequences are amazing. Dialogue was stiff at times but it didn’t take away from the enjoyment. Can’t wait to devour this series.
December 20, 2020
Well, I guess you could say that my review of this book can best be summed up in the form of a double limerick:
On the hunt for a flag, symbolic,
A mad man and his plan, diabolic.
It’s all up to Logan West,
with his best friends on this quest,
fighting his inner demon - an alcoholic.
Matt Betley’s clearly a master of setting,
And more hand-to-hand combat I’ll be expecting.
Our hero, a marine,
Proves Force Recon supreme,
On this author’s future I’ll be betting.
On the hunt for a flag, symbolic,
A mad man and his plan, diabolic.
It’s all up to Logan West,
with his best friends on this quest,
fighting his inner demon - an alcoholic.
Matt Betley’s clearly a master of setting,
And more hand-to-hand combat I’ll be expecting.
Our hero, a marine,
Proves Force Recon supreme,
On this author’s future I’ll be betting.
June 8, 2017
Well done! Betley is a new force in the thriller genre. I'll look forward to reading other books by this author.
December 7, 2017
Overwatch is one of the most original, interesting, action-packed debuts of this decade that has spot-on authenticity in every aspect. Only a few can pull off a plot that’s as emotional and explosive as this.
Betley has actually lived the life of a Marine officer and knows exactly what he is writing about. His technical and operational knowledge shows greatly throughout the book.
The past and the present collide in a high-stakes plot that seems all too plausible. Ghosts from the war in Iraq are shown to fuel danger from the least possible places. The threat of the increasing powers of the private military complex have been warned convincingly through the plot.
A new superhero to the genre is introduced in the form of Logan West. He goes through a transformation in the book that’s personal, emotional and patriotic. Logan is battling his inner demons and suffers a tragedy. His flaws could be empathized. Despite being humanized, he is one of the deadliest characters in print today. The array of characters is generously colored through uniquely memorable dialogues and scenes.
Continue reading the review on https://kronostheauthor.wordpress.com...
July 30, 2019
A "brilliantly conceived thriller", "frighteningly real", "crackles with authenticity", "exceptional read" book this is not. Do not be fooled by the fake advance praise for this novel. It defies all credibility.
November 17, 2020
Ok...I started out really enjoying the plot. Its the dual time line theme. Then there was a shift to I just can't believe it. Mission Impossible type action. A lot of military lingo. Skimmed the last few pages....
September 29, 2022
I got into Logan West while waiting to read Betley's newest novel:
. However, my digital library did not have ANY of the Logan West thrillers. I ended up buying a used hardback. I liked it, a fun action read. My type of thriller. Will look into more Logan West thrillers. I am currently reading The Neighborhood on my Kindle Oasis. Overwatch is a good buddy type thriller. Two marines that kick a## and take names.
. However, my digital library did not have ANY of the Logan West thrillers. I ended up buying a used hardback. I liked it, a fun action read. My type of thriller. Will look into more Logan West thrillers. I am currently reading The Neighborhood on my Kindle Oasis. Overwatch is a good buddy type thriller. Two marines that kick a## and take names.
October 29, 2021
Mixed feelings on this one. Non-stop action from Page 1 to the end but I'm finding the corrupt private security contractor plot overworked. The reliance on ex-military types turning bad is also getting a bit ridiculous. This plot relied on way too many ex-SOF on the bad-guy side. But I will read the next book in the Logan West saga. 3 Stars
February 5, 2017
Ok story.
I can say this was an ok story, however I found many parts cliche and much of the dialog very basic and rough. At the half way point I almost put it down, but decided to push through. I hate to half read books. Nevertheless, it was pretty consistent to the end.
I can say this was an ok story, however I found many parts cliche and much of the dialog very basic and rough. At the half way point I almost put it down, but decided to push through. I hate to half read books. Nevertheless, it was pretty consistent to the end.
February 13, 2017
Continuous action. Lots of battles between highly trained soldiers. super-heroic protagonist, overcoming too many consecutive obstacles. I spent the final third of the book hoping it would end, but no, yet another round of challenges keeps popping up. Not interested in reading the sequel.
April 3, 2019
Solid action thriller. Dialogue is a little wonky or cheesy at times. I'll probably read the next one in the series.
August 27, 2018
A thoroughly enjoyable, very decently written book which does what a Thriller is supposed to do - thrill. There's tension, excitement, 'brothers in arms' and more than a few surprises. It's a first book from Matthew Bentley, and has already been optioned for a film, and you can see why. Though I don't fully buy into the usual 'evil genius with never-ending supply of hired help ready to die for them' idea that you always see in films like this will probably be. You know, think James Bond. Where, in the middle of nowhere, there's an evil genius in a huge building complex, who has somehow hired hundreds of blokes in black - whom no one has ever heard of before! Their families presumably can't ring up and say "What time you home for tea, dear?" "Look, I told you when I signed on for Mad Evil Genius Inc not to ring..." At least here, the Evil Genius' no.2 is equally ruthless, and formidable, that's a plus.
I have no idea, not being an ex-Navy Seal or whatever myself, if he really does 'know his stuff.' And it's always a little suspect, when a reviewer, who also presumably also isn't ex-Special Forces, suddenly sets themselves up as an arbiter, an 'of course, being a book reviewer, I know more about the subject than the author' (you've seen it, or felt it, in all sorts of reviews on-line, or in the newspaper). All I can say, is that with my background of having read an awful lot of 'this kind of thing' down the years, this does indeed give the convincing impression that he knows his stuff. It feels the real deal. As it would be expected to do, him being an actual ex-Navy Seal or similar. What does come over with a lot of these ex-Military turned writers, is the respect and regard they have for their fellow combatants. Mostly those of equal rank and/or below. There is a real 'spirit' of it here - that no one can do it alone and a success is dependent on the whole team rather than just the lead player.
The Lead Players name does bother me. As it does in most American thrillers these days. Why are ex-Special Forces never Kevin, or Timothy, for example?
One could be forgiven for thinking that people only join the US Marines, SEALs, WHALEs, WHATEVERs, to do the minimum time, then get out and get a book deal. I doubt that is what Mr. Betley did, but it sure was a very good call by whoever gave him a book deal.
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I have no idea, not being an ex-Navy Seal or whatever myself, if he really does 'know his stuff.' And it's always a little suspect, when a reviewer, who also presumably also isn't ex-Special Forces, suddenly sets themselves up as an arbiter, an 'of course, being a book reviewer, I know more about the subject than the author' (you've seen it, or felt it, in all sorts of reviews on-line, or in the newspaper). All I can say, is that with my background of having read an awful lot of 'this kind of thing' down the years, this does indeed give the convincing impression that he knows his stuff. It feels the real deal. As it would be expected to do, him being an actual ex-Navy Seal or similar. What does come over with a lot of these ex-Military turned writers, is the respect and regard they have for their fellow combatants. Mostly those of equal rank and/or below. There is a real 'spirit' of it here - that no one can do it alone and a success is dependent on the whole team rather than just the lead player.
The Lead Players name does bother me. As it does in most American thrillers these days. Why are ex-Special Forces never Kevin, or Timothy, for example?
One could be forgiven for thinking that people only join the US Marines, SEALs, WHALEs, WHATEVERs, to do the minimum time, then get out and get a book deal. I doubt that is what Mr. Betley did, but it sure was a very good call by whoever gave him a book deal.
Blog: Speesh Reads
Facebook: Speesh Reads
Pinterest: Speesh Reads
January 5, 2022
Non stop action, and bad guys being messily dispatched. Terrorists blown to Smithereens. This was great holiday reading. Also, I now know what a smithereen is!
November 24, 2015
I was given the privilege of getting an advance copy of Over Watch, and I could not put it down. If you love thrillers, this book is for you! If you've served in the Military and deployed to Iraq, this book is for you! If you're a Marine like me, this book is definitely for you! Honestly, any thriller fan will appreciate the fast paced, non-stop action this debut thriller offers. But for us Marines who have spent time in the sand box, this book speaks to you. Logan West is formidable and strong on par with Mitch Rapp with a background that rivals Scot Harvath and Mason Kane, but finally one with a Marine Corps background. On that note, the humor in this book will leave you laughing along every time. The action will keep you on the edge of your seat and the anticipation of what's to come is sure to make this book one of those very few books you just have to read in one sitting. Great job Matthew Betley, can't wait for the next one!
March 12, 2020
Not really a very good book in my opinion. Corny dialogue, I didn’t get attached to any of the characters. The book moved along nicely but was somewhat tedious with little substance to it. Not really interested in finding out where this series or the lead Logan goes. Hard pass for me.
June 24, 2018
Matthew Betley's Overwatch introduces us to two new players in the world of the Mich Rapp's and Scot Harvath's patriotic retired military heroes. Okay, Harvath was never military. Marine Captain Logan West and his faithful Gunny John Quick are now here to save the day.
While these will never be literary classics if you enjoy reading Flynn/Mills and Thor then you should enjoy Betley's Logan West series. I rated it a 3 but on a personal level it really satisfies my book thirst for this type of book.
While these will never be literary classics if you enjoy reading Flynn/Mills and Thor then you should enjoy Betley's Logan West series. I rated it a 3 but on a personal level it really satisfies my book thirst for this type of book.
July 28, 2017
I read this book based on a recommendation from the Real Book Spy. I'm always looking for new authors in the spy genre and like to support up and comers! While I liked the plot the banter often got campy and distracted me from the seriousness of the plot. As this is a first outing I'd be interested to watch the author grow. I'll read Oath if Honor next and hopefully he'll tone down the banter and focus more on the plot.
April 4, 2017
Very solid debut. A few minor quibbles (some hackneyed dialogue) but Betley seems ready to fill the void left by Vince Flynn.
January 30, 2018
In his debut novel, Matthew Betley has written an action-packed thriller featuring Logan West. A flawed and broken character, Logan has to fight his own demons before he can fight the demons that attack the world, and he does so in splendid fashion. I look forward to reading more by this author.
January 9, 2019
Overwatch is the first Matthew Betley book I have read. Logan West is a great character and the book keeps up a good pace similar to books by Flynn and Thor. I recommend this book!
December 30, 2020
Wow, I don't remember doing all this crazy action, but apparently I'm really good at shooting people and blowing stuff up!
Seriously, it was a decent marine thriller book. I suppose this is what marine "porn" looks like, as there was a good amount of gratuitous violence against the bad guys. Lots of action and bullets flying in numerous locations.
For me, the writing was a little basic, but the author's own experiences as a marine certainly lent some credence to the scenarios and the sets. It's nice to have an author who understands firearms, for a change.
Seriously, it was a decent marine thriller book. I suppose this is what marine "porn" looks like, as there was a good amount of gratuitous violence against the bad guys. Lots of action and bullets flying in numerous locations.
For me, the writing was a little basic, but the author's own experiences as a marine certainly lent some credence to the scenarios and the sets. It's nice to have an author who understands firearms, for a change.
September 10, 2017
Logan West is my new fav action character. This book was a terrific thriller.
March 6, 2016
I heard about Overwatch last fall from Ryan Steck who runs both "Ryan the Rappologist" and @therealbookspy on Twitter. He said that Betley was going to be an author with a lot of headwind that's going to jump in on the thriller genre and make a and for himself! He nailed it right on the head, from the first few pages to the last few it is a non stop fast action thrill fest!
Betley does a great job of detailing the characters to allow you to get a great idea and feeling of they are pretty easily. I felt it allowed the flow of the book to go smoother, not trying to understand why someone is a certain way, especially with a new author cementing himself so quickly!
Another key part of this adventure with Logan West is the ability to make it seem so authentic. Mr. Betley served and wore our nations cloth and that alone gives him the insight to give the pages the ability to come to life. You won't be disappointed in this one and it's definitely one that should leave a mark for years to come. If you enjoy Flynn, Thor, Taylor, Hood then you will enjoy Betley then!!!
Betley does a great job of detailing the characters to allow you to get a great idea and feeling of they are pretty easily. I felt it allowed the flow of the book to go smoother, not trying to understand why someone is a certain way, especially with a new author cementing himself so quickly!
Another key part of this adventure with Logan West is the ability to make it seem so authentic. Mr. Betley served and wore our nations cloth and that alone gives him the insight to give the pages the ability to come to life. You won't be disappointed in this one and it's definitely one that should leave a mark for years to come. If you enjoy Flynn, Thor, Taylor, Hood then you will enjoy Betley then!!!
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